Chapter 895: Chapter 895 - 410: Hidden Cave (Part 2)
"...it’s the Hei Family’s Ebon Repellent."
Fang Yu and Ling Huxiang were taken aback at the same time, even Zhu Huida, who usually didn’t involve himself, cast a glance at him.
"Are you sure?" Ling Huxiang was the first to question.
Their operation this time had a pretty high confidentiality level; how could someone appear on their planned route ahead of them?
"Hei Family..."
Fang Yu’s expression showed hesitation.
He wasn’t familiar with other members of the Hei Family, only knew Hei Ao.
However, Hei Ao’s Cultivation Technique was top-tier powerful.
If someone from the Hei Family came, possessing Hei Ao’s Cultivation Technique coupled with a high realm, their combat capability would be terrifying.
"It’s definitely Ebon Repellent; I have dealt with Hei Family people before and learned about this stuff. It’s precious and typically unaffordable for Hei Family members. We didn’t encounter demons earlier on because the scent of Ebon Repellent lingered here, helping us avoid some trouble."
Dong Xingzhou’s value was vividly showcased at this moment.
As an experienced Deputy Captain, having executed many wilderness missions and interacted with various forces, his knowledge about certain things was more seasoned than the younger Ling Huxiang.
Fang Yu cast a look of admiration towards Dong Xingzhou, though the latter was deep in thought.
Ebon Repellent, wasn’t omnipotent.
It was effective against low-level little demons, creating a repulsive scent that drove them away to some extent.
But against slightly stronger demons, it had no effect at all.
Yet with just this technique, the Hei Family was far ahead of other forces.
It’s important to know that Foolish Underworld had no such means; when facing wilderness demons, both Great Demons and little demons had to be confronted head-on with sheer power.
"Captain Diao, the circumstances surrounding the Hei Family’s group are unclear, let’s hold off for now, but for now, we need to quickly leave this place," Dong Xingzhou said.
Fang Yu was puzzled.
"Since there’s shelter provided by the Ebon Repellent’s scent, we could stay here for the night, why hurry to leave?"
"...Captain Diao, that’s wrong. The scent of Ebon Repellent has long dissipated; surrounding demons only refrained from approaching due to previously smelling the scent, even if it’s gone. But how long this state will last can’t be guaranteed; staying overnight is not the best choice."
Dong Xingzhou continued:
"Once a vacant territory, with the absence of threat, will attract more demons wanting to claim it, especially after nightfall when demons get more active and aggressive."
Fang Yu glanced at Ling Huxiang, who apparently had no thoughts, merely shrugged her shoulders.
"You decide."
Fang Yu sighed.
"Then let’s continue and find a safe place to camp and rest before the sun completely sets."
"Yes!"
Dong Xingzhou went back to relay the orders, and Zhu Huida also returned to the team.
Even though nothing had happened, the encampment of a Hei Family group on their mission’s route felt like a thorn, bringing Fang Yu a bit of vigilance.
"What do you think?"
After setting off again, Fang Yu asked.
"On this journey, there will probably be many competitors," Ling Huxiang calmly replied.
"You anticipated this?"
"Not really, but it’s about the Artifact; even if it’s not the Hei Family, sooner or later other forces will come to compete."
Ling Huxiang glanced at Fang Yu: "You don’t need to feel pressured; before we set out, Hall Master probably spoke to you privately, about this mission, succeed or fail, Foolish Underworld can accept it. But in the end, we should attempt to compete, not lose our poise, and someone must bring back accurate intel. Overall, reclaiming the Artifact is ideal; if not, treat it as an outdoor training session, safely returning to Tianyuan Town is considered a success."
Fang Yu: ???
Did the Hall Master say such a thing?
As Fang Yu recalled, it seemed the Hall Master did imply that if three Artifacts were brought back, he could choose one, but not bringing them back seemed acceptable too.
Yet he must partake in this mission.
Meaning, the priority of intelligence reports outweighed that of reclaiming Artifacts.
It seems Hall Master predicted many participants in this competition, hence sending a captain-level force, with low chances of success.
No wonder Ling Huxiang wanted to seize any good thing seen outside, not really expecting to obtain the Artifact as a mission reward.
Other gains in the wilderness were truly her own possessions.
With this scenario explained, it’s fair enough.
Even with multiple Hei Family teams, it’s not too problematic, as they’re merely going along, obtaining the Artifact would be great, but if not, just ensuring their safety and returning to the city is adequate.
Clearing his perspective, Fang Yu relaxed his mindset.
No wonder Ling Huxiang initially prioritized safety, seemingly not expecting the task to smoothly end.
"There’s a demon!"
Suddenly, someone in the back shouted.
Fang Yu turned around and saw several people from the team had already charged forward.
Leading the way, none other than Zhu Huida and Dong Xingzhou.
With their coordination, along with other team members’ fierce attacks, even before Fang Yu arrived, they had already slain the demon.
Although it was just a little demon with less than ten thousand blood, their efficiency was indeed astonishing.
With a group of human experts, common little demons truly couldn’t get close.
Lacking the experience increase, Fang Yu wasn’t much interested in these little demons with less than ten thousand blood, nor did he want to divide experience points if others were attacking.
One could only say that every little bit counts, if there’s a chance to grab some, he’ll do it.
The appearance of demons made the previously relaxed team tense again.
As dusk approached, the team finally left the riverside road.
On the road, Fang Yu actively participated, following the team to fight demons at first sight, barely gleaned 3 attribute points, but against the massive need, it was negligible.
Fang Yu felt internally conflicted at this time.
He both wanted a Great Demon to appear, skyrocketing his attribute points, but feared such demons were too powerful, scattering the team, and even entangling him in danger.
Although they had rested, the team members weren’t in full state, even Ling Huxiang and himself hadn’t fully restored their health.
Fang Yu had self-healing ability, quick recovery, while Ling Huxiang took medicine and reduced action frequency, rested more, yet didn’t regain much health.
With this string of events, Fang Yu’s active engagement gradually increased his prestige within the team.
Being a captain always fighting at the forefront was quite likable.
Ling Huxiang didn’t fight for this, not caring about such matters.
But as the night darkened, the team lit torches for illumination, making her uneasy.
This wasn’t the official road.
Torchlight in the wilderness practically makes one a target; any demon who sees it will want to bite off a piece.
"The wind... it’s the wind! Captain Diao! There’s a cave! It seems like there’s a cave over there!"
Suddenly, a team member excitedly shouted.
Fang Yu and Ling Huxiang looked that way, noticing behind some vines, vaguely a dark cave entrance.
The wind blowing from inside rustled the torch flames slightly.
Most wouldn’t notice this level of flicker, unexpectedly caught by that team member.
This guy’s observant.
Fang Yu cast a look of admiration at She Jiachou.
"Let’s go in and check, if everything’s good, we can spend the night here."
Fang Yu proposed.
Ling Huxiang frowned, hesitating slightly.
A cave, if enclosed, staying overnight there, an encounter with a Great Demon, the blocked entrance could mean total annihilation.
On the other hand, a cave offers relative safety, allowing a peaceful night.
There’s pros and cons, just depends on whether to take the risk.
While Ling Huxiang hesitated, Fang Yu, Dong Xingzhou, and some team members already ventured inside.
Not long after, Fang Yu’s voice came from within.
"Ling Huxiang, come in."